WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.980 to me, O house of Israel, can I not do with you as the potter has done, declares the Lord. 00:00:07.700 --> 00:00:15.419 Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. 00:00:17.660 --> 00:00:25.219 God in his word uses many ways and illustrations to describe his relationship with his people. 00:00:25.219 --> 00:00:31.239 He speaks about familiar things that people would see around them and that they could relate to. 00:00:31.919 --> 00:00:38.759 He uses the illustration of the shepherd and the sheep on a number of occasions, both in the Old and in the New Testament. 00:00:39.579 --> 00:00:43.379 He uses the relationship between a husband and a wife. 00:00:44.079 --> 00:00:48.460 He uses the relationship of a father to his children. 00:00:48.460 --> 00:00:55.719 These are just a few of the different ways in which God describes the relationship that he has with his people. 00:00:56.259 --> 00:01:04.379 And all of these ways of describing these relationships, they teach people both when the hearers then, but also ourselves today. 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:07.200 Things about life and how we live. 00:01:08.019 --> 00:01:11.240 Things about ourselves, how we are and our different needs. 00:01:11.780 --> 00:01:17.040 But they also teach us about our Lord and his ways towards us. 00:01:17.040 --> 00:01:19.840 So he uses many different ways. 00:01:20.600 --> 00:01:27.160 He uses the sheep as an illustration of how being protected and provided for by the shepherd. 00:01:27.780 --> 00:01:39.860 He uses his people as a wife and God as the husband in that relationship of love and a love so often described as steadfast and unconditional. 00:01:39.859 --> 00:01:52.299 He uses the illustration of his people as children, relying on the father for his loving care and his watch and also at times his rebuke. 00:01:52.379 --> 00:01:54.760 So he uses all of these different relationships. 00:01:55.480 --> 00:02:02.060 And here in these verses, we're given another way of describing the relationship of God towards his people. 00:02:02.060 --> 00:02:09.599 A relationship that was shown to Jeremiah when he was told to go down to the potter's house. 00:02:09.939 --> 00:02:15.920 And there what he saw God used to describe his relationship to the people. 00:02:15.919 --> 00:02:24.359 And even though it's, as it says, the clay, as it was being worked on, didn't work out the first time. 00:02:24.479 --> 00:02:35.699 What he saw was the potter taking that same lump of clay and reforming it and working on it into what he wanted it to be. 00:02:36.599 --> 00:02:42.779 That's a great reminder to ourselves as it was to the people who Jeremiah was speaking to. 00:02:42.780 --> 00:02:54.979 Jeremiah was speaking to the people of Judea and Jerusalem at the time, describing their relationship with God in this way that the lump that has been spoiled, 00:02:55.120 --> 00:02:58.840 it's like they're wandering away from God, turning away from him. 00:02:59.379 --> 00:03:05.639 But the God's longing and desire is to bring them back and to shape them into what he wants them to be. 00:03:05.639 --> 00:03:16.759 And the idea of this vessel, this pot of clay, is that it would be useful to God, be a servant of God once again. 00:03:17.359 --> 00:03:19.879 But they had to yield. 00:03:20.699 --> 00:03:27.219 They had to put themselves into the potter's hands and allow him to work. 00:03:27.219 --> 00:03:41.840 So it may have been spoken to the people in the days of the Old Testament, but it still speaks to us alongside other passages throughout the scriptures of this special relationship that God has with his people. 00:03:41.840 --> 00:03:53.539 And especially as we come into the New Testament, where we see God giving his son and our greatest relationship being with him and our dependence on him. 00:03:53.539 --> 00:04:05.659 It's like a reminder that Jesus gives in John 15, that great passage that speaks of another way of describing the relationship of God to his people. 00:04:06.039 --> 00:04:08.239 In John 15, verse 1, it says, 00:04:08.240 --> 00:04:12.620 I am the true vine, and my father is a vine dresser. 00:04:13.000 --> 00:04:16.400 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away. 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:22.180 And every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 00:04:22.800 --> 00:04:26.879 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 00:04:27.379 --> 00:04:29.960 Abide in me, and I in you. 00:04:30.519 --> 00:04:36.879 As a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 00:04:36.879 --> 00:04:39.980 I am the vine, you are the branches. 00:04:40.100 --> 00:04:44.439 Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit. 00:04:45.120 --> 00:04:48.240 But apart from me, you can do nothing. 00:04:48.980 --> 00:04:56.819 So there's similar kind of reminders to us in both the potter and the clay and the vine and the branches. 00:04:57.579 --> 00:05:01.180 We can do nothing apart from God. 00:05:01.779 --> 00:05:05.560 And so there's so much importance in our relationship with God. 00:05:05.560 --> 00:05:11.139 As we well know, when our relationship is not right with God, we know we suffer. 00:05:12.100 --> 00:05:19.819 But God longs for us to come to him and lean upon him and always to depend on him. 00:05:20.680 --> 00:05:23.360 So the theme is of the potter and the clay. 00:05:24.139 --> 00:05:27.579 God making a people once again to be his servants. 00:05:27.579 --> 00:05:32.459 And that is what we long to be ourselves or should long to be too. 00:05:32.979 --> 00:05:35.379 The clay in the potter's hands. 00:05:35.779 --> 00:05:43.180 That the God would shape each and every one of us to be a useful vessel, a useful servant for God. 00:05:43.979 --> 00:05:49.099 And we should never let ourselves think that we can do it on our own strength. 00:05:49.799 --> 00:05:52.779 Apart from him, we can do nothing. 00:05:52.779 --> 00:05:59.019 And so Jeremiah is speaking here, God's word of the potter and the clay. 00:05:59.479 --> 00:06:02.239 And just two things we want to take from this this evening. 00:06:02.599 --> 00:06:05.859 First is the potter's intention. 00:06:06.579 --> 00:06:08.319 The potter's intention. 00:06:08.699 --> 00:06:12.119 And then secondly, the potter's message. 00:06:12.819 --> 00:06:16.739 The potter's intention and the potter's message. 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:20.920 So firstly, we think of the potter's intention. 00:06:22.100 --> 00:06:24.699 What does a potter want to do? 00:06:25.500 --> 00:06:31.060 When a potter has a lump of clay, he's got it for a specific purpose. 00:06:31.879 --> 00:06:37.519 He plans to take that clay and from that clay produce a vessel. 00:06:38.120 --> 00:06:43.980 He wants a vessel that will be useful, that people can use. 00:06:43.980 --> 00:06:53.920 And so when we think of how the potter here is being described as God and the clay as his people, what does God want? 00:06:54.840 --> 00:06:59.080 What's his intention with his people then and with his people now? 00:06:59.540 --> 00:07:03.680 It is that we will be shaped and molded by him. 00:07:04.439 --> 00:07:08.300 That we will be found useful by being in his hands. 00:07:09.259 --> 00:07:12.700 But you think of what the potter has to work with. 00:07:12.699 --> 00:07:24.959 In order to make a vessel of good use, the potter must work with material that when you first look at it, it leaves little to be desired. 00:07:25.939 --> 00:07:29.539 A lump of clay isn't much to look at. 00:07:30.759 --> 00:07:35.419 And in the hands of the wrong person, that lump of clay is useless. 00:07:35.420 --> 00:07:43.699 But in the hands of the right person, that lump of clay can be made into something beautiful. 00:07:44.900 --> 00:07:49.340 And that's the same as God's relationship with his people. 00:07:49.339 --> 00:07:53.899 When we look at ourselves, we are far from perfect. 00:07:54.459 --> 00:07:56.519 We are just like a lump of clay. 00:07:56.899 --> 00:08:01.060 Useless, sometimes in our own eyes and in the eyes of many others. 00:08:01.819 --> 00:08:03.299 We are in our sin. 00:08:03.459 --> 00:08:06.659 We are worthless to God in our natural condition. 00:08:06.660 --> 00:08:17.880 But you know, as the potter is being described here with the clay, the potter was working on the clay initially, but it was spoiled. 00:08:19.240 --> 00:08:22.879 Now, it wasn't that the clay, that the potter made a mistake. 00:08:23.680 --> 00:08:25.560 The fault was in the clay. 00:08:25.560 --> 00:08:33.679 But that same clay, the pot was able to take and remove the blemishes and make it into something useful. 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:38.620 So God has these things to work on. 00:08:38.659 --> 00:08:44.700 He's got this lump of clay being described here, and he's got his people, imperfect people. 00:08:45.059 --> 00:08:51.980 People, as we see here with Judah and Jerusalem, God's people of Israel, who have gone away from him, 00:08:51.980 --> 00:08:59.100 who have done wrong in his eyes, strayed away from him, and yet God is still able to use them. 00:09:00.320 --> 00:09:08.659 And it's a reminder to us of how today God has his people, imperfect people, people full of blemishes, 00:09:08.840 --> 00:09:13.600 but yet Jesus came to save us from our sins. 00:09:13.600 --> 00:09:31.200 And it's such a great reminder to us, I don't know if you've ever watched a potter working on clay, 00:09:31.580 --> 00:09:34.139 of the patience involved in it. 00:09:35.540 --> 00:09:40.960 The patience to work in that clay, to make it into something useful. 00:09:40.960 --> 00:09:44.600 We don't often have that patience ourselves. 00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:51.680 I remember trying to make something in school out of clay on the wheel, and I just wasn't up for it. 00:09:52.100 --> 00:09:53.400 It was going to take too long. 00:09:53.480 --> 00:09:54.540 I didn't have the skills. 00:09:54.840 --> 00:09:56.759 But there was others who could do it. 00:09:57.800 --> 00:09:59.519 And that is the way God is. 00:09:59.660 --> 00:10:03.000 He can do with us whatever he wants. 00:10:03.500 --> 00:10:07.400 But he's patient with us, and thank God he is. 00:10:07.399 --> 00:10:11.220 Because some of us take more work than others. 00:10:12.279 --> 00:10:15.799 Some of us maybe have more blemishes to be ironed out than others. 00:10:16.199 --> 00:10:20.220 But God just works away patiently in us. 00:10:20.959 --> 00:10:23.799 We're never immediately the finished product. 00:10:24.439 --> 00:10:29.039 We're not just bought off the shelf, as it were, ready for any purpose. 00:10:29.399 --> 00:10:30.740 It takes time. 00:10:31.620 --> 00:10:34.039 The potter takes time to shape us. 00:10:34.039 --> 00:10:36.819 Indeed, he's always shaping us. 00:10:37.519 --> 00:10:40.339 Always working in us. 00:10:41.459 --> 00:10:47.000 Because as we see, even in the potter's hands, things can go terribly wrong. 00:10:47.719 --> 00:10:53.519 There are times when, even in the best of care, the vessel can go out of shape. 00:10:53.779 --> 00:10:56.799 Because of faults in the clay. 00:10:57.679 --> 00:11:01.299 But God continues to work in us. 00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:08.019 And the potter can sense in the clay itself just where the blemishes are. 00:11:08.819 --> 00:11:12.139 He instantly knows when there is a problem. 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:14.500 He senses a change in the clay. 00:11:14.620 --> 00:11:17.579 And he takes steps to address that. 00:11:18.199 --> 00:11:23.299 And that's the way God has worked with his people down through all the generations. 00:11:23.299 --> 00:11:27.719 Being with his people through highs and lows. 00:11:27.719 --> 00:11:29.219 Times of blessing. 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:30.359 Times of hardship. 00:11:30.859 --> 00:11:33.500 But God always knows what his people need. 00:11:33.959 --> 00:11:35.740 And when they need it. 00:11:36.779 --> 00:11:44.079 He knows, as we so often come with prayers, asking for the Lord to help in times of trouble. 00:11:44.080 --> 00:11:46.480 He knows all of these things. 00:11:46.540 --> 00:11:49.160 So we bring our prayers to him in confidence. 00:11:50.259 --> 00:11:55.420 But he also knows the flaws and faults in our attitudes. 00:11:56.060 --> 00:11:58.040 The things that need correction. 00:11:58.780 --> 00:12:05.300 So just as he provides in our needs so often, so he provides when we go astray, when we're going wrong. 00:12:05.500 --> 00:12:06.720 He corrects us. 00:12:06.720 --> 00:12:10.840 We cannot hide anything from God. 00:12:11.340 --> 00:12:15.680 Psalm 139, at the beginning of it, describes that for us. 00:12:15.740 --> 00:12:18.820 How there's nothing that is hidden from God. 00:12:19.560 --> 00:12:21.879 And so we are. 00:12:22.820 --> 00:12:29.399 And the best thing we can do is to just allow ourselves to be responsive to his touch. 00:12:29.399 --> 00:12:35.959 To yield ourselves to his active work in our lives. 00:12:37.319 --> 00:12:45.299 The sooner we reach the place he desires us to be, the sooner he can use us for his glory. 00:12:45.860 --> 00:12:49.740 So this is talking about servants of God. 00:12:49.819 --> 00:12:52.439 Being useful servants of God. 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:54.759 And that's the potter's intention. 00:12:54.759 --> 00:13:03.200 God so often shows in remarkable ways how he is able to change people's lives. 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:07.840 Some of you may have heard of a man called Bill Gilvere. 00:13:08.600 --> 00:13:09.620 Or read his book. 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:11.799 It's called Rough Diamond. 00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:18.179 A story of his testimony of how God brought him from darkness to light. 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:22.960 Bill Gilvere was a man in Glasgow in the 1940s. 00:13:22.960 --> 00:13:25.420 Who was much to be feared. 00:13:26.379 --> 00:13:28.440 His father died when he was young. 00:13:28.800 --> 00:13:31.940 And he became a member of the Glasgow gangs. 00:13:32.200 --> 00:13:33.800 Youth gangs first. 00:13:34.660 --> 00:13:39.379 On the fringe of the main Glasgow gangland scene. 00:13:40.500 --> 00:13:44.300 They were young men who didn't carry on in school. 00:13:44.780 --> 00:13:46.740 They left school as soon as they could. 00:13:46.780 --> 00:13:48.800 Or even before they were even allowed to leave. 00:13:49.220 --> 00:13:50.920 They didn't go into employment. 00:13:50.919 --> 00:13:54.719 Instead, they just went round the streets of Glasgow. 00:13:55.459 --> 00:13:56.839 Much to be feared. 00:13:56.959 --> 00:13:59.740 Looking for trouble all the time. 00:14:00.740 --> 00:14:05.719 And Bill Gilvere himself acknowledged that he would carry weapons with him wherever he went. 00:14:06.679 --> 00:14:09.719 Designed to either scare or scar. 00:14:09.720 --> 00:14:17.899 It was best to be on Bill Gilvere's good side. 00:14:18.980 --> 00:14:22.620 Yet this unlikely character, if you like. 00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:27.200 He became used by God in wonderful ways. 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:30.820 He became a nurse in the Navy. 00:14:30.820 --> 00:14:34.700 He was a missionary to Africa at one point. 00:14:34.700 --> 00:14:37.820 He obtained medical qualifications. 00:14:38.280 --> 00:14:40.960 Both in French and in English. 00:14:41.640 --> 00:14:47.340 He worked back in Scotland to help seamen involved in the Falklands conflict. 00:14:48.040 --> 00:14:50.900 He became a great evangelist. 00:14:51.280 --> 00:14:56.220 Praising God and telling others about the glory of God wherever he went. 00:14:56.220 --> 00:15:00.279 So what was it that caused this turnaround? 00:15:00.899 --> 00:15:08.240 Well, he went from one danger of conviction in the sense of going to court for his crimes. 00:15:08.600 --> 00:15:12.080 To instead becoming convicted by God. 00:15:12.759 --> 00:15:15.660 Convicted of his need for forgiveness. 00:15:15.659 --> 00:15:19.959 And turning to a loving and gracious God. 00:15:20.339 --> 00:15:24.919 He found in him one who was able to forgive his past. 00:15:25.679 --> 00:15:29.399 And use him wonderfully in so many different ways. 00:15:30.339 --> 00:15:34.360 His book was called Rough Diamond for a reason. 00:15:35.079 --> 00:15:36.959 Because God had to shape him. 00:15:37.579 --> 00:15:39.919 Just like the potter and the clay. 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:44.379 God worked on him in a wonderful way. 00:15:44.379 --> 00:15:47.299 And it's a great reminder to us. 00:15:47.439 --> 00:15:48.360 If we ever needed. 00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:51.419 That God can have anyone. 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:52.439 Take anyone. 00:15:53.379 --> 00:15:54.240 Bring them up. 00:15:54.919 --> 00:15:57.840 And use them for his glory. 00:15:58.480 --> 00:15:59.759 But so often. 00:16:00.059 --> 00:16:02.559 First we have to be brought down. 00:16:03.059 --> 00:16:05.659 We have to be brought down to realize. 00:16:05.939 --> 00:16:07.159 Our need of God. 00:16:07.220 --> 00:16:08.480 And that's the situation. 00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:11.240 That Jeremiah was speaking into here. 00:16:11.799 --> 00:16:13.379 Israel being brought down. 00:16:13.379 --> 00:16:13.980 Down. 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:17.539 Down from dependence on self. 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:19.679 And trusting in self. 00:16:19.779 --> 00:16:23.019 To being brought to a place of trusting in God. 00:16:23.100 --> 00:16:26.259 But we see in verse 12 that they weren't there yet. 00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:27.439 It says. 00:16:28.100 --> 00:16:29.860 They say that is in vain. 00:16:29.960 --> 00:16:32.480 We will follow our own plans. 00:16:33.039 --> 00:16:37.740 And will everyone act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart. 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:39.379 They weren't ready yet. 00:16:40.180 --> 00:16:42.100 But God was bringing them low. 00:16:42.560 --> 00:16:44.120 So that he could rebuild them. 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:45.700 Reform them. 00:16:46.740 --> 00:16:47.680 Dwight L. Moody. 00:16:48.139 --> 00:16:49.919 Once when he was visiting Scotland. 00:16:49.919 --> 00:16:51.899 He was with Andrew Bonner. 00:16:52.080 --> 00:16:53.320 A Scottish preacher. 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:56.740 And he was talking to Andrew Bonner. 00:16:56.860 --> 00:16:57.680 About the sheep. 00:16:58.139 --> 00:16:59.039 In the highlands. 00:16:59.299 --> 00:17:01.680 And how strange they seemed to be. 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:03.519 At times and places that they would go. 00:17:04.400 --> 00:17:07.319 And Andrew Bonner started talking to him about this. 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:10.680 And why they would often go into places where they shouldn't be. 00:17:11.279 --> 00:17:11.839 He said. 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:15.339 They would always go where the grass looks good. 00:17:16.139 --> 00:17:17.379 And they would go into places. 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:18.339 And get into places. 00:17:18.819 --> 00:17:21.740 But then all of a sudden find themselves they couldn't get out of. 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:23.279 He said. 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:24.720 You would often find sheep. 00:17:25.119 --> 00:17:26.139 Up on the hills. 00:17:26.259 --> 00:17:28.139 And they jumped down onto a ledge. 00:17:28.140 --> 00:17:31.000 Because the grass looked so green and lush. 00:17:31.960 --> 00:17:32.960 And they would stay there. 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:34.300 And eat the grass. 00:17:34.380 --> 00:17:35.860 But once the grass was done. 00:17:36.220 --> 00:17:37.740 They'd realize there was no more. 00:17:37.820 --> 00:17:38.600 And then they'd realize. 00:17:38.840 --> 00:17:40.020 They couldn't get out. 00:17:40.780 --> 00:17:42.440 And they would start bleating. 00:17:44.020 --> 00:17:45.440 And Dwight L. Moody was asking. 00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:46.180 Andrew Bonner. 00:17:46.259 --> 00:17:48.420 Why don't the shepherds just go down. 00:17:48.780 --> 00:17:49.280 There and then. 00:17:49.420 --> 00:17:50.340 And take them up. 00:17:51.320 --> 00:17:52.460 And Andrew Bonner explained. 00:17:52.600 --> 00:17:52.759 Well. 00:17:53.300 --> 00:17:54.400 If you're a shepherd. 00:17:54.560 --> 00:17:56.380 You know that that's not going to work. 00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:57.720 You see. 00:17:57.840 --> 00:17:58.540 If they're fit. 00:17:58.640 --> 00:17:59.180 And strong. 00:17:59.280 --> 00:17:59.740 And healthy. 00:17:59.860 --> 00:18:00.840 And you try to go down. 00:18:01.200 --> 00:18:02.180 They're so stupid. 00:18:02.260 --> 00:18:02.540 He said. 00:18:02.580 --> 00:18:03.740 They're just going to jump off. 00:18:03.860 --> 00:18:04.340 And die. 00:18:04.840 --> 00:18:05.860 Jumping off the cliff. 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:07.000 He says. 00:18:07.020 --> 00:18:08.160 You have to leave them. 00:18:08.680 --> 00:18:10.280 Until they're so tired. 00:18:10.420 --> 00:18:11.000 And weak. 00:18:11.420 --> 00:18:13.100 That they're unable to do anything. 00:18:13.640 --> 00:18:14.180 And then. 00:18:14.440 --> 00:18:15.340 You go down. 00:18:15.460 --> 00:18:16.660 And put a rope around them. 00:18:16.960 --> 00:18:18.060 And take them up. 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:20.480 And he said. 00:18:20.580 --> 00:18:22.120 That is just the way it is. 00:18:22.120 --> 00:18:22.660 With men. 00:18:24.100 --> 00:18:25.600 They won't go back. 00:18:25.720 --> 00:18:26.240 Will God. 00:18:26.380 --> 00:18:26.920 To God. 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:27.360 Until. 00:18:27.360 --> 00:18:29.540 They're at their very lowest ebb. 00:18:30.460 --> 00:18:31.020 And sometimes. 00:18:31.020 --> 00:18:32.600 God has to leave them there. 00:18:32.800 --> 00:18:34.280 Until they're so tired. 00:18:34.440 --> 00:18:35.000 And weak. 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:36.040 And then. 00:18:36.280 --> 00:18:37.260 He is able. 00:18:37.760 --> 00:18:38.420 To work. 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:40.900 That's so often the pattern. 00:18:41.120 --> 00:18:42.620 You find in scripture. 00:18:43.360 --> 00:18:44.660 That God allows. 00:18:45.080 --> 00:18:45.900 His people. 00:18:46.020 --> 00:18:46.960 To go a far. 00:18:47.080 --> 00:18:47.760 Far away. 00:18:48.260 --> 00:18:48.860 To a point. 00:18:48.940 --> 00:18:49.700 When they realize. 00:18:50.060 --> 00:18:51.020 They can do nothing. 00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:52.500 And then. 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:54.420 He brings them back. 00:18:54.420 --> 00:18:57.640 He has his intentions. 00:18:57.640 --> 00:18:59.080 For his people. 00:18:59.080 --> 00:19:00.740 We've looked at this recently. 00:19:01.240 --> 00:19:02.060 The plans. 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:03.000 Here we see again. 00:19:03.100 --> 00:19:03.700 The idea of. 00:19:03.960 --> 00:19:05.060 Our own plans. 00:19:05.460 --> 00:19:06.840 Are to go away from God. 00:19:06.839 --> 00:19:07.439 God. 00:19:07.439 --> 00:19:08.439 But God's plans. 00:19:08.439 --> 00:19:09.259 And intentions. 00:19:09.259 --> 00:19:10.539 Are to work. 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:11.359 In his people. 00:19:11.359 --> 00:19:12.879 To bring them back. 00:19:12.879 --> 00:19:14.279 And to use them. 00:19:14.439 --> 00:19:16.240 For his glory. 00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:18.179 So the potter's. 00:19:18.699 --> 00:19:19.539 Intention then. 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:20.980 Is to use. 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:21.819 His people. 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:23.299 For his glory. 00:19:23.819 --> 00:19:24.859 The second thing. 00:19:24.939 --> 00:19:25.619 We see here. 00:19:25.679 --> 00:19:25.859 Those. 00:19:25.939 --> 00:19:26.779 The potter's. 00:19:27.179 --> 00:19:27.659 Message. 00:19:27.660 --> 00:19:32.040 And the potter's. 00:19:32.040 --> 00:19:32.400 Message. 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:34.360 What the word. 00:19:34.440 --> 00:19:34.980 That was coming. 00:19:34.980 --> 00:19:35.820 Through Jeremiah. 00:19:35.820 --> 00:19:36.960 The word of the Lord. 00:19:37.540 --> 00:19:38.720 To the people of Israel. 00:19:39.480 --> 00:19:41.480 Was to put yourselves. 00:19:41.480 --> 00:19:43.040 Into God's. 00:19:43.320 --> 00:19:43.920 Hands. 00:19:45.340 --> 00:19:46.340 And that's the message. 00:19:46.580 --> 00:19:47.560 To ourselves. 00:19:47.560 --> 00:19:48.480 As well. 00:19:48.940 --> 00:19:50.160 And there's two aspects. 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:51.680 To this message. 00:19:52.320 --> 00:19:53.680 The first is this. 00:19:54.360 --> 00:19:55.180 It's a message. 00:19:55.180 --> 00:19:55.680 About. 00:19:56.279 --> 00:19:56.880 Control. 00:19:57.660 --> 00:19:58.640 That God. 00:19:59.120 --> 00:19:59.759 Is in. 00:20:00.080 --> 00:20:00.600 Control. 00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:02.320 In verse six. 00:20:02.440 --> 00:20:02.740 It says. 00:20:02.860 --> 00:20:03.920 Oh house of Israel. 00:20:04.320 --> 00:20:05.740 Can I not do with you. 00:20:05.800 --> 00:20:06.580 As the potter. 00:20:06.900 --> 00:20:07.480 Has done. 00:20:07.960 --> 00:20:08.519 Behold. 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:09.700 Like the clay. 00:20:09.840 --> 00:20:10.960 In the potter's hand. 00:20:11.460 --> 00:20:12.540 So are you. 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:13.680 In my hand. 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:14.880 Oh house. 00:20:15.080 --> 00:20:15.860 Of Israel. 00:20:16.700 --> 00:20:17.540 God is in. 00:20:17.660 --> 00:20:18.220 Control. 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:20.340 And as we went on. 00:20:20.420 --> 00:20:20.820 To read. 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:21.759 You see. 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:22.940 In his hands. 00:20:23.320 --> 00:20:24.420 He can do good. 00:20:25.120 --> 00:20:25.840 And bless. 00:20:26.680 --> 00:20:27.600 When we return. 00:20:27.599 --> 00:20:27.699 Turn. 00:20:28.699 --> 00:20:30.240 Or he can bring. 00:20:30.639 --> 00:20:31.719 Us down. 00:20:32.139 --> 00:20:33.159 If we don't. 00:20:33.939 --> 00:20:35.059 If we do not yield. 00:20:35.439 --> 00:20:36.699 Into his hands. 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:38.699 Both sides. 00:20:38.859 --> 00:20:40.159 Are there before us. 00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:42.339 But the message. 00:20:42.699 --> 00:20:43.599 Of the potter. 00:20:43.659 --> 00:20:44.319 Here is. 00:20:44.859 --> 00:20:46.279 To come and yield. 00:20:46.699 --> 00:20:47.500 Ourselves. 00:20:47.639 --> 00:20:49.079 Into his hands. 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:51.500 He is in. 00:20:51.679 --> 00:20:52.259 Control. 00:20:52.259 --> 00:20:53.900 He can do. 00:20:53.900 --> 00:20:55.059 What he wishes. 00:20:55.059 --> 00:20:56.299 With his people. 00:20:56.859 --> 00:20:57.859 But surely. 00:20:58.099 --> 00:20:58.980 We want. 00:20:59.140 --> 00:20:59.680 Blessing. 00:20:59.680 --> 00:21:00.299 From him. 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:02.019 And yet. 00:21:02.099 --> 00:21:02.599 So often. 00:21:02.599 --> 00:21:03.339 As we see. 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:04.220 And this was prayed. 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:04.740 Before. 00:21:05.359 --> 00:21:06.039 Our nation. 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:06.519 And nations. 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:07.180 Of the world. 00:21:07.640 --> 00:21:08.720 We just put God. 00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:09.400 Away. 00:21:10.359 --> 00:21:11.500 But he is still. 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:12.319 Calling us. 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:13.200 Back. 00:21:13.359 --> 00:21:14.160 To himself. 00:21:14.160 --> 00:21:16.120 But we think of it. 00:21:16.259 --> 00:21:17.060 Even individually. 00:21:17.060 --> 00:21:17.920 As well. 00:21:18.800 --> 00:21:20.000 It's not just about looking. 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:21.400 Beyond these walls. 00:21:21.400 --> 00:21:22.100 It's about looking. 00:21:22.100 --> 00:21:22.900 In ourselves. 00:21:23.620 --> 00:21:25.279 And asking of ourselves. 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:26.759 What are we. 00:21:26.859 --> 00:21:27.539 In the hands. 00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:28.279 Of God. 00:21:29.279 --> 00:21:30.639 Are we putting ourselves. 00:21:30.639 --> 00:21:31.980 And all our desires. 00:21:32.119 --> 00:21:32.920 And all our needs. 00:21:33.420 --> 00:21:34.539 Into the hands. 00:21:34.660 --> 00:21:35.399 Of God. 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:37.420 That God has a purpose. 00:21:37.879 --> 00:21:39.240 For all of his people. 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:40.160 We are all. 00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:41.519 Lumps of clay. 00:21:42.059 --> 00:21:42.700 We are all. 00:21:42.839 --> 00:21:43.879 Able to be made. 00:21:43.879 --> 00:21:45.279 In God's hands. 00:21:45.779 --> 00:21:46.799 Into servants. 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:47.740 From him. 00:21:48.539 --> 00:21:49.759 You think of the variety. 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:51.099 Of different kinds. 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:53.000 Of pots. 00:21:53.079 --> 00:21:53.480 That the. 00:21:53.480 --> 00:21:55.000 The potter would make. 00:21:55.960 --> 00:21:56.859 Some are made. 00:21:56.859 --> 00:21:58.599 For everyday use. 00:21:58.680 --> 00:21:59.799 And a constant use. 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:01.399 Others are more delicate. 00:22:01.539 --> 00:22:02.259 And expensive. 00:22:02.420 --> 00:22:03.539 There's such a variety. 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:04.879 Of things. 00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:06.139 And so it is. 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:07.779 With God's people. 00:22:08.680 --> 00:22:10.259 A variety of people. 00:22:10.680 --> 00:22:12.539 Used for different purposes. 00:22:13.460 --> 00:22:14.099 But all. 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:15.660 Useful instruments. 00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:17.079 In the hands. 00:22:17.180 --> 00:22:17.799 Of God. 00:22:19.259 --> 00:22:20.639 And so the message is. 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:22.879 That God is in control. 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.259 That God. 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:25.099 Is building. 00:22:25.279 --> 00:22:26.180 His church. 00:22:26.660 --> 00:22:28.259 That we as his people. 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:28.759 Are to be. 00:22:29.200 --> 00:22:30.119 Like the vine. 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:31.460 In John 15. 00:22:32.240 --> 00:22:33.200 We are to abide. 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:34.420 In him. 00:22:34.759 --> 00:22:35.859 That he may abide. 00:22:35.859 --> 00:22:36.359 In us. 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:37.940 For apart from him. 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:39.279 We can do nothing. 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:41.139 He is able. 00:22:41.139 --> 00:22:42.139 To bear fruit. 00:22:43.139 --> 00:22:44.200 Through his people. 00:22:44.539 --> 00:22:45.660 So God. 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:47.639 Is in control. 00:22:48.319 --> 00:22:49.740 But the second part. 00:22:49.799 --> 00:22:50.899 Of the potter's message. 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:52.759 Is about compliance. 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:55.180 It's about. 00:22:55.180 --> 00:22:56.460 Being faithful. 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:59.059 Not being stubborn. 00:22:59.059 --> 00:23:00.119 Or turning away. 00:23:00.720 --> 00:23:02.019 But being faithful. 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:02.660 And obedient. 00:23:03.339 --> 00:23:04.140 To God. 00:23:05.599 --> 00:23:07.500 The duty of the clay. 00:23:07.900 --> 00:23:08.879 Is one. 00:23:10.160 --> 00:23:10.940 To be in. 00:23:11.279 --> 00:23:12.099 The potter's. 00:23:12.599 --> 00:23:13.099 Hands. 00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:15.119 Because that is. 00:23:15.359 --> 00:23:16.079 The best. 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:17.099 Place. 00:23:17.599 --> 00:23:18.019 To be. 00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:19.980 Because he is. 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:20.720 The only one. 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:22.039 Who is equipped. 00:23:22.799 --> 00:23:24.879 To make us into what he wants us. 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:25.940 To be. 00:23:26.940 --> 00:23:28.039 To use us. 00:23:28.400 --> 00:23:29.819 For his glory. 00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:31.480 Wherever we are. 00:23:31.859 --> 00:23:33.440 And wherever we may go. 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:35.160 We are to be. 00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:37.119 In the potter's. 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:37.799 Hands. 00:23:37.799 --> 00:23:40.399 Because if we place ourselves. 00:23:40.399 --> 00:23:41.720 In the hands. 00:23:41.720 --> 00:23:42.559 Of the potter. 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:43.879 Then. 00:23:44.139 --> 00:23:45.139 He is able. 00:23:45.460 --> 00:23:46.339 To work. 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:48.259 Then he is able. 00:23:48.379 --> 00:23:49.480 To work in us. 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:50.899 And honor. 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:52.259 Use us. 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:53.399 To his honor. 00:23:54.019 --> 00:23:55.019 And to his. 00:23:55.399 --> 00:23:55.799 Glory. 00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:57.659 That's what Jeremiah. 00:23:57.659 --> 00:23:58.599 Was seeing. 00:23:58.940 --> 00:24:00.319 In the potter's house. 00:24:00.859 --> 00:24:01.720 A reminder. 00:24:01.720 --> 00:24:03.419 Of where the people were. 00:24:03.899 --> 00:24:04.899 But also. 00:24:05.419 --> 00:24:06.619 Where they could be. 00:24:06.619 --> 00:24:08.119 If they would yield. 00:24:08.239 --> 00:24:09.019 Themselves. 00:24:09.539 --> 00:24:10.679 Into the hands. 00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:11.879 Of God. 00:24:12.599 --> 00:24:13.379 And again. 00:24:13.379 --> 00:24:14.419 It's just a reminder. 00:24:14.419 --> 00:24:15.239 To us. 00:24:15.919 --> 00:24:16.519 That in everything. 00:24:16.659 --> 00:24:17.159 We seek. 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:17.759 To do. 00:24:17.959 --> 00:24:18.559 For the Lord. 00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:20.199 We are to yield. 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:21.139 Ourselves. 00:24:21.719 --> 00:24:22.259 To him. 00:24:24.359 --> 00:24:25.699 Many years ago. 00:24:26.579 --> 00:24:27.559 In the days. 00:24:27.559 --> 00:24:28.719 Of horse and cart. 00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:30.359 There was a man. 00:24:30.399 --> 00:24:31.119 And his wife. 00:24:31.339 --> 00:24:32.099 Driving along. 00:24:32.679 --> 00:24:33.119 A narrow. 00:24:33.239 --> 00:24:33.739 And dangerous. 00:24:34.059 --> 00:24:34.899 Stretch of road. 00:24:35.079 --> 00:24:35.899 Just the two of them. 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:37.140 Sitting on the cart. 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:38.040 Beside each other. 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:40.000 The woman. 00:24:40.160 --> 00:24:40.660 Became. 00:24:40.980 --> 00:24:41.540 Afraid. 00:24:41.660 --> 00:24:42.620 As they were making away. 00:24:43.100 --> 00:24:43.519 Their way. 00:24:43.600 --> 00:24:44.500 Along this road. 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:46.440 And in her fright. 00:24:47.080 --> 00:24:48.100 She went to grab. 00:24:48.200 --> 00:24:49.100 One of the reins. 00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:49.920 That her husband. 00:24:49.920 --> 00:24:50.620 Was holding. 00:24:51.360 --> 00:24:52.640 She grabbed it off him. 00:24:52.680 --> 00:24:53.160 And took it. 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.820 Into her own hands. 00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:56.800 The husband. 00:24:57.640 --> 00:24:58.640 Remained calm. 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:01.600 And just very gently. 00:25:01.780 --> 00:25:03.060 He stretched over. 00:25:03.160 --> 00:25:03.560 And says. 00:25:03.559 --> 00:25:04.639 Do you want. 00:25:04.639 --> 00:25:04.679 Do you want. 00:25:04.679 --> 00:25:04.700 Do you want. 00:25:04.700 --> 00:25:05.419 The other rein. 00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:07.879 And the woman. 00:25:07.879 --> 00:25:08.619 In her fright. 00:25:08.619 --> 00:25:08.980 Said. 00:25:09.539 --> 00:25:10.059 Oh no. 00:25:10.639 --> 00:25:11.619 I can't. 00:25:11.619 --> 00:25:12.659 Take them both. 00:25:13.079 --> 00:25:13.700 I could never. 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:14.919 Manage that animal. 00:25:14.919 --> 00:25:15.339 Alone. 00:25:16.379 --> 00:25:17.240 Well then. 00:25:17.299 --> 00:25:17.960 Said the husband. 00:25:18.119 --> 00:25:18.480 Gently. 00:25:18.720 --> 00:25:19.720 You must make. 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:20.440 Your choice. 00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:22.779 It's either you. 00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:24.299 Or it's me. 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:25.599 We can't. 00:25:25.720 --> 00:25:26.639 Both drive. 00:25:27.079 --> 00:25:28.099 The same horse. 00:25:28.099 --> 00:25:31.019 And the frightened wife. 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:31.859 Soon. 00:25:31.980 --> 00:25:32.679 Just quickly. 00:25:33.179 --> 00:25:34.099 Gave back. 00:25:34.299 --> 00:25:34.779 The rein. 00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:35.679 To her husband. 00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:37.619 And they carried on. 00:25:38.179 --> 00:25:38.699 Safely. 00:25:38.980 --> 00:25:39.379 Along. 00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:40.199 The road. 00:25:41.299 --> 00:25:42.099 I'm pretty sure. 00:25:42.279 --> 00:25:43.579 Similar things happen. 00:25:43.659 --> 00:25:44.219 In cars. 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:45.179 Today as well. 00:25:45.759 --> 00:25:46.719 Both directions. 00:25:46.939 --> 00:25:47.699 People panicking. 00:25:47.699 --> 00:25:48.759 Beside each other. 00:25:49.259 --> 00:25:50.139 But when we think. 00:25:50.139 --> 00:25:50.899 About this. 00:25:51.619 --> 00:25:52.339 In the eyes. 00:25:52.339 --> 00:25:53.039 Of God. 00:25:53.699 --> 00:25:54.559 It's so often. 00:25:54.559 --> 00:25:55.619 The way we live. 00:25:55.619 --> 00:25:56.539 Our lives. 00:25:56.539 --> 00:25:58.519 Where we want. 00:25:58.799 --> 00:26:00.079 To be in control. 00:26:00.599 --> 00:26:02.500 Or to have some control. 00:26:02.980 --> 00:26:04.480 Over our lives. 00:26:05.059 --> 00:26:06.099 Because we're not. 00:26:06.519 --> 00:26:07.359 Compliant. 00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:08.980 We're not fully. 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:09.940 Trusting. 00:26:10.259 --> 00:26:10.839 In God. 00:26:10.940 --> 00:26:12.059 We think to ourselves. 00:26:12.399 --> 00:26:13.460 I'll take control. 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:13.980 Of this. 00:26:14.399 --> 00:26:15.460 Part of my life. 00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:17.559 But God. 00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:18.920 Is like that husband. 00:26:20.159 --> 00:26:20.859 He's saying. 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:21.740 It's either you. 00:26:22.220 --> 00:26:23.019 Or me. 00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:25.139 Which do you want? 00:26:25.140 --> 00:26:27.160 And that's what he was saying. 00:26:27.560 --> 00:26:29.140 To the children of Israel. 00:26:29.280 --> 00:26:30.120 Here as well. 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:31.440 The potter. 00:26:31.940 --> 00:26:32.759 And the clay. 00:26:33.800 --> 00:26:34.280 He's saying. 00:26:34.640 --> 00:26:35.580 What do you want? 00:26:36.360 --> 00:26:37.900 Do you want your plants? 00:26:38.580 --> 00:26:39.840 Or do you want mine? 00:26:40.980 --> 00:26:42.600 Are you going to go your own way? 00:26:43.360 --> 00:26:44.800 Or are you going to comply. 00:26:45.300 --> 00:26:46.020 With me? 00:26:47.040 --> 00:26:49.160 And so God continues to challenge. 00:26:49.160 --> 00:26:50.700 His people today. 00:26:50.880 --> 00:26:52.040 Yourself and myself. 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:54.680 What do we want with God? 00:26:55.619 --> 00:26:56.399 His way. 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:58.059 Or are we? 00:26:58.720 --> 00:27:00.519 We are to put ourselves. 00:27:00.960 --> 00:27:02.559 Into his hands. 00:27:03.220 --> 00:27:04.599 To yield to him. 00:27:04.940 --> 00:27:05.799 As the pot. 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:08.159 That he would make us. 00:27:08.500 --> 00:27:09.200 To be. 00:27:09.659 --> 00:27:10.759 His servants. 00:27:12.019 --> 00:27:13.460 In 2nd Corinthians 4. 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:14.759 Verse 6 and 7. 00:27:15.460 --> 00:27:16.500 There it speaks. 00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:17.420 Of another way. 00:27:17.519 --> 00:27:18.920 That the treasure of clay. 00:27:19.460 --> 00:27:20.460 If jars and clay. 00:27:20.460 --> 00:27:21.100 Is described. 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:22.059 Says for God. 00:27:22.120 --> 00:27:22.620 Who said. 00:27:23.079 --> 00:27:24.100 Let light shine. 00:27:24.100 --> 00:27:25.000 Out of darkness. 00:27:25.500 --> 00:27:26.860 Has shone in our hearts. 00:27:26.880 --> 00:27:27.660 To give the light. 00:27:27.700 --> 00:27:28.200 Of the knowledge. 00:27:28.200 --> 00:27:29.460 Of the glory of God. 00:27:29.660 --> 00:27:30.600 In the face. 00:27:30.660 --> 00:27:31.840 Of Jesus Christ. 00:27:32.480 --> 00:27:33.920 But we have this treasure. 00:27:34.100 --> 00:27:35.340 In jars of clay. 00:27:35.819 --> 00:27:37.579 To show the surpassing power. 00:27:38.039 --> 00:27:39.200 Belongs to God. 00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:41.279 And not to us. 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:43.880 We are mere servants. 00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:45.579 Of the king. 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:47.440 And whatever we do. 00:27:47.440 --> 00:27:50.000 We do for his glory. 00:27:51.200 --> 00:27:52.700 Can we say today. 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:55.080 I am yielded. 00:27:55.400 --> 00:27:56.240 To God. 00:27:56.940 --> 00:27:58.640 I am putting myself. 00:27:59.340 --> 00:28:01.080 Into his hands. 00:28:02.019 --> 00:28:03.620 Or are there places still. 00:28:04.120 --> 00:28:06.100 We want to be in control. 00:28:06.660 --> 00:28:08.059 That we haven't fully given. 00:28:08.400 --> 00:28:09.500 To the potter. 00:28:10.240 --> 00:28:11.779 Perhaps the potter. 00:28:11.920 --> 00:28:12.480 Still has work. 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:13.640 As he does with us all. 00:28:14.259 --> 00:28:15.580 To mold. 00:28:15.579 --> 00:28:16.659 And shape us. 00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:19.019 Iron out the blemishes. 00:28:19.019 --> 00:28:19.779 As it were. 00:28:20.579 --> 00:28:22.500 But let us be a people. 00:28:23.019 --> 00:28:24.099 Who are willing. 00:28:24.679 --> 00:28:25.699 To put ourselves. 00:28:26.079 --> 00:28:27.500 Into his hands. 00:28:28.199 --> 00:28:29.460 That he will make us. 00:28:29.819 --> 00:28:31.159 To be his people. 00:28:31.740 --> 00:28:32.720 For his glory. 00:28:32.939 --> 00:28:33.279 Here. 00:28:33.939 --> 00:28:34.599 And wherever. 00:28:35.199 --> 00:28:36.339 He might place us. 00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:37.299 May God bless. 00:28:37.919 --> 00:28:39.059 His word to us. 00:28:39.119 --> 00:28:39.679 Let us pray. 00:28:41.819 --> 00:28:43.439 Our father in heaven. 00:28:43.440 --> 00:28:44.480 We do thank you. 00:28:44.480 --> 00:28:46.340 For your patient work. 00:28:46.340 --> 00:28:47.140 In our lives. 00:28:47.600 --> 00:28:48.500 We thank you. 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:50.100 That though we are so imperfect. 00:28:50.779 --> 00:28:51.220 As it were. 00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:52.680 Just lumps of clay. 00:28:53.000 --> 00:28:54.100 In our sin. 00:28:54.820 --> 00:28:55.740 We thank you though. 00:28:55.740 --> 00:28:57.220 That you have brought us. 00:28:57.220 --> 00:28:58.000 From the pit. 00:28:58.320 --> 00:28:59.980 That you have raised us up. 00:29:00.559 --> 00:29:01.580 That you are the one. 00:29:01.580 --> 00:29:02.880 Who is shaping us. 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:03.860 And molding us. 00:29:04.559 --> 00:29:05.299 And we know Lord. 00:29:05.340 --> 00:29:06.519 That there is so much work. 00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:07.519 Still to be done. 00:29:07.940 --> 00:29:08.900 But help us. 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:09.740 That we would yield. 00:29:09.740 --> 00:29:10.360 To you. 00:29:10.359 --> 00:29:11.819 And put ourselves. 00:29:11.819 --> 00:29:13.500 Over into your hands. 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:15.259 That you might take us. 00:29:15.759 --> 00:29:16.799 And use us. 00:29:17.099 --> 00:29:18.159 For your glory. 00:29:19.000 --> 00:29:20.259 Lord continue with us. 00:29:20.359 --> 00:29:20.899 We pray. 00:29:21.439 --> 00:29:22.679 Pardoning all our sin. 00:29:22.779 --> 00:29:23.719 In Jesus name. 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:24.639 Amen. 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:29.219 We're going to conclude.